SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Upon being introduced as coach of the Grand Rapids Rampage last summer, Steve Thonn made two proclamations that left some followers of the local Arena Football League franchise full of optimism.

He promised to lead the team to the playoffs. And he pledged to restore pride to a franchise that had not reached the AFL postseason since 2003, and had not given fans much to cheer about since winning ArenaBowl XV in 2001.